Laser Safety Standards for Laser Owners

Laser owners are responsible for ensuring the safe use of lasers within their facilities. This includes protecting employees, implementing safety programs, and effectively managing the hazards associated with laser operation.

In the United States, laser safety is governed by the ANSI Z136 series – The Safe Use of Lasers. The Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) has adopted these ANSI standards as the regulatory framework for workplace laser safety. Additionally, state and local governments may impose additional regulations.

International standards such as the IEC 60825 series – Safety of Laser Products apply outside the United States. Many countries have incorporated IEC 60825 into their national regulations, ensuring global consistency in laser safety requirements.

Laser owners should adhere to the relevant safety standards in their country, state, and local jurisdiction to ensure compliance and establish effective safety protocols. Proper training, protective equipment, and hazard control measures are essential for safeguarding employees and property.

International Laser Safety Regulations

Laser safety standards vary by country, though most align with the IEC 60825 series. Below are key regulations across different regions:

United States
  • ANSI Z136 series – The Safe Use of Lasers
  • OSHA Regulations
  • 21 CFR 1040/41 - Performance Standards for Light-Emitting Products
    • FDA requirement for the use of light-emitting products in the USA
    • Laser Notice No. 56 Laser Products – Conformance with IEC 60825-1 Ed. 3 and IEC 60601-2-22 Ed. 3.1
    • Adaption of the IEC 60825-1/60601-2-22 under FDA regulation
European Union (EU)
  • 2006/25/EC – Artificial Optical Radiation Directive
    Worker protection from artificial optical radiation, including lasers
  • 2014/35/EU – Low Voltage Directive (LVD)
    Electrical safety for equipment within defined voltage limits
  • 2006/42/EC – Machinery Directive (MD)
    Safety requirements for machines, including those using lasers
EN 60825-1:2014 Safety of laser products

Part 1: Equipment classification and requirements; EU adaption of IEC 60825-1

  • EN 207:2017 – Personal eye-protection equipment
    Filters and eye-protectors against laser radiation
  • EN 208:2009 – Personal eye-protection
    Eye-protectors for adjustment work on lasers and laser systems (laser adjustment eye-protectors)
  • EN 12254:2010 – Screens for laser working places
    Safety requirements and testing
Germany
  • OStrV – Artificial Optical Radiation Ordinance
    German regulation protects employees from hazards caused by laser and other artificial optical radiation in the workplace
  • TROS – Technical Rules for Laser Radiation
    Provides practical guidance for implementing OStrV, including laser classification, exposure limits, and safety controls
United Kingdom (UK)
  • Control of Artificial Optical Radiation at Work Regulations 2010
    UK implementation of the EU Directive 2006/25/EC; protects workers from risks of artificial optical radiation, including lasers
  • Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
    General duty of care for employers to protect employees from workplace hazards
  • Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016
    UK implementation of the EU Directive 2014/35/EU; electrical safety for equipment within defined voltage limits
  • Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 2008
    UK implementation of the EU Directive 2006/42/EC; safety requirements for machines, including those using lasers
EN 60825-1:2014 Safety of laser products

Part 1: Equipment classification and requirements; EU/UK adaption of IEC 60825-1

  • EN 207:2017 – Personal eye-protection equipment
    Filters and eye-protectors against laser radiation
  • EN 208:2009 – Personal eye-protection
    Eye-protectors for adjustment work on lasers and laser systems (laser adjustment eye-protectors)
  • EN 12254:2010 – Screens for laser working places
    Safety requirements and testing
Canada
  • Radiation Emitting Devices Act (REDA)
  • CSA Z386-14 – Laser Safety in the Workplace
Australia & New Zealand
  • AS/NZS IEC 60825.1
  • Safe Work Australia
  • Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA)
Japan
  • JIS C 6802
  • Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare (MHLW)
China
  • GB 7247.1-2012
  • State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR)
South Korea
  • KATS – Korea Agency for Technology and Standards (based on IEC 60825)
India
  • Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)
  • DGFASLI – Directorate General, Factory Advice Service & Labour Institutes
Singapore
  • Ministry of Manpower (MOM) – regulates laser use under the WSH framework
Key Takeaways for Global Compliance

✔ Identify relevant local regulations – Compliance requirements vary by country and region.

✔ Follow IEC 60825 for international alignment – Most countries base their safety standards on this framework.

✔ Ensure proper labeling & documentation – Many jurisdictions require safety labels, manuals, and compliance certifications.

✔ Train employees on regional safety rules – Regulations differ for industrial, medical, and consumer laser applications.

Responsibilities of Laser Owners

Laser owners must take a proactive and structured approach to laser safety by applying the hierarchy of controls, a best-practice framework for minimizing hazards. This hierarchy prioritizes risk reduction strategies from most to least effective:

  1. Elimination/Substitution – Whenever feasible, eliminate the laser hazard entirely or substitute it with a less hazardous laser type or lower power setting.
  2. Engineering Controls – Implement physical safety measures to reduce exposure, such as beam enclosures, interlocks, key switches, beam stops, protective housings, and warning systems.
  3. Administrative Controls – Develop and enforce comprehensive written standard operating procedures (SOPs) covering laser operation, maintenance, and emergency response. Restrict access to trained personnel and use proper signage and labeling.
  4. Training Programs – Provide job-specific laser safety training tailored to each employee’s level of exposure and responsibility. Ensure understanding of SOPs, risks, and safety practices.
  5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) – As a final line of defense, supply and require appropriate PPE, including laser safety eyewear designed for the specific wavelength and power level of the lasers in use.

By following the hierarchy of controls, laser owners demonstrate a commitment to reducing risk at the source and fostering a culture of safety.

Consequences of Non-Compliance

Failure to comply with laser safety regulations can have serious consequences, including:

  • Employee Injury – Laser exposure can cause severe eye damage, skin burns, or long-term health effects.
  • Legal Liability – Organizations may face fines, lawsuits, or regulatory penalties for non-compliance.
  • Equipment Damage – Improper laser use can result in optical hazards, equipment malfunctions, or even fire risks.
  • Operational Disruptions – Regulatory violations may result in work stoppages, loss of certifications, or increased oversight from authorities.

Laser Safety Resources

United States
International
  • International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC)
    🔗 www.iec.ch
  • European Union Laser Safety Regulations
    🔗 www.europa.eu
  • Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA)
    🔗 www.arpansa.gov.au

Asia

Japan
China
South Korea
India
Singapore

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